Spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles

Spacecraft, satellites and launch vehicles

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8802 60 00 (Spacecraft including satellites and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with import permitted only to specified categories of entities or on the basis of a DGCA-issued No Objection Certificate. Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 and DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021 govern the operative import framework.

What this is

HSN code

8802 60 00

Chapter

88 · Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88

Customs documentation

Import Licence from DGFT
NOC from DGCA
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the importing entity falls within an exempt category under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 — Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, IGRUA or a recognised flying club/academy, or an IFSC-based aircraft leasing entity — or that a DGCA-issued NOC for the import has been obtained. Entities outside these categories must secure a DGFT import licence before filing the bill of entry.
Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 · DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021
2
Upload the DGCA NOC or, where applicable, documentary evidence of exempt-entity status in e-Sanchit before the bill of entry is assessed. The proper officer must verify mandatory documents prior to granting out-of-charge under the PGA-facilitated clearance process.
Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 · DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the exempt-entity list applicable to aircraft and helicopters extends automatically to spacecraft and launch vehicles. Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 was drafted around civil aviation operations; entities importing satellites or launch vehicles that cannot demonstrate they fall within a named exempt category must obtain a DGFT import licence — absent that licence, the consignment is liable to detention and Restricted-import enforcement regardless of the technical or strategic purpose of the import.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8802 60 00 require BIS certification?

No, spacecraft, satellites and launch vehicles are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 and DGFT Notification 21/2015-20.

Can an IFSC-based aircraft leasing entity import spacecraft under this HSN without a DGFT licence?

The exempt-entity list in Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 names IFSC-based aircraft leasing entities specifically in the context of aircraft and helicopters; importers of spacecraft or launch vehicles outside the named categories should obtain a DGFT import licence to avoid Restricted-import enforcement.

What happens if the DGCA NOC has expired before the bill of entry is filed?

An expired NOC does not satisfy the Policy Condition 1 requirement, and the consignment is treated as an unlicensed Restricted import, making it liable to detention until a valid NOC or DGFT import licence is produced.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.